BigMike's Forum

Projects & Trip Reports => Projects and Build-Ups => Topic started by: BigMike on December 02, 2010, 01:35:52 PM

Title: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: BigMike on December 02, 2010, 01:35:52 PM
Kevin is toying with the possibility of getting a RX-7. He is interested in the FC and wants to hopefully find one not running for around $1k.

I have _always_ loved the FC RX-7. It is one of my all time favorite cars. If you haven't realized by now I really love the 80s Japanese car styling and this fits the bill perfectly. Love pop up head lights :thumbs:

(http://images.paultan.org/rx7_fc_wingz.jpg)

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b2/S5FCRX7.jpg/689px-S5FCRX7.jpg)
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: BigMike on December 02, 2010, 01:42:21 PM
1986 RX7 for $600 (Aromas) - http://monterey.craigslist.org/cto/2076218816.html
"very nice clean car,( STARTS & RUNS,BUT HAS COOLING PROBLEM) replaced water pump which was bad,but car still heats up.Possibly minor."
(http://images.craigslist.org/3m33pc3le5O05P25X4abnda97e4c0da3418fd.jpg) (http://images.craigslist.org/3k23m43p45Q45W65P5abn73c6ac33c9e71503.jpg) (http://images.craigslist.org/3pd3o53l35V15Q55P6abn68270039995c1471.jpg)


1986 RX-7 for $800 OBO (Stockton) - http://stockton.craigslist.org/cto/2071233921.html
Here is a good one that needs some mechanical work.
"it doesnt run" "needs engine and the shifter isnt there" "i have two transmissions that both work and two engines that need to be rebuild"
(http://images.craigslist.org/3k93m93l55Q45X35R1abke4f9fa2f6c4d140b.jpg) (http://images.craigslist.org/3n63o73lc5V65O05Z3abk9f553e973ddc187e.jpg) (http://images.craigslist.org/3ma3pd3o55Z05U45P4abk4c581caffc1615d5.jpg)

And here are some slightly out of budget offerings that look good:

1989 RX-7 Convertable for $1500 OBO (Salton City) - http://palmsprings.craigslist.org/cto/2090107079.html
Out of the budget but it looks pretty clean
(http://images.craigslist.org/3n23o93l55Q55W45X6ac19261bd5ff85e1caf.jpg) (http://images.craigslist.org/3nc3m33o35Y55O25Q2ac16817d51c65521434.jpg)

1989 RX-7 for $1500 OBO (Modesto) - http://modesto.craigslist.org/cto/2029399191.html
OBO and pretty close to home. Not sure if it's an auto or 5spd...
(http://images.craigslist.org/3pb3oc3ld5Y45X45R6aar5f637eb46b2614ee.jpg) (http://images.craigslist.org/3m63p83o65Y35Z15R3aare1bc01906a2d1147.jpg)
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: BigMike on December 02, 2010, 01:57:49 PM
WOW Check this out, this is right here in Fresno!

1987 RX-7 $1400 (Fresno) - http://fresno.craigslist.org/cto/2090631368.html

"new clutch,brakes,and tune-up. Tags are up to date and just been smogged about 2 mths ago. Has 16" chrome after market wheels on car right now. I have the factory alloy rims with new tires that go with car. Car needs some tlc to the paint on the outside to the top area of the car from sun. Hate to sell it but i need a truck"

(http://images.craigslist.org/3n43kf3p85Q05P35X0ac2a82c1b13f4c618d1.jpg) (http://images.craigslist.org/3of3p33l75Y65U25P0ac265edfa9e69f31075.jpg) (http://images.craigslist.org/3n43k73o45O55W55R1ac2c861e85dd10f1518.jpg)




EDIT: Wait, is that thing an auto? It has a shift boot like it's a 5-speed but the shift knob sure looks like an auto. Maybe he just likes that sort of shift knob?
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: BigMike on December 02, 2010, 02:01:10 PM
1991 RX-7 $800 (Bakersfield) - http://bakersfield.craigslist.org/pts/2045949804.html

"it is completly stock, never modified. Its convertable in decent shape clean title, the registration is on non op. This car needs some work i believe the coolant seals need to be replaced, it starts up and runs but it blows white smoke. The engine has 212,000 miles on it but transmission has 87,000 miles on it and new clutch has 6,000 miles on it, has new sturts and decent tires. The rims are original BBS 16 inch. The clearcoat is peeling on the hood and the rear bumper is fading this car could use fresh paint."

(http://images.craigslist.org/3mc3p73l45P05R15S3ab6830db83378631d44.jpg) (http://images.craigslist.org/3k43mf3o75V45U25S0ab634f2e3626c171f8a.jpg) (http://images.craigslist.org/3mb3p83ld5U55X55R2ab65e7329abd2811f92.jpg)
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: BigMike on December 02, 2010, 02:02:17 PM
Here is an '89 TURBO for $1000, but it's all the way up in Washington: http://yakima.craigslist.org/cto/2073194994.html
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: BigMike on December 02, 2010, 02:05:40 PM
Check this one out. Is this a Turbo??

1991 RX-7 GXL 5spd $1000 OBO (San Diego) - http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/2088713316.html

"im selling my s5 fc3s its 5speed. it has a brand new interior new dash new center consol. has maroon seats and rear cover. everything else is black."
"this has the best interior i have ever seen on a rx7"
"someone painted the top roof and the hood black"
"meshie gold rims in good condition"
"the only problem is the car wont run it starts up find but the front rotor has no compression. easy to rebuild or u can drop in a new motor."
"the car will come with a boost gague and a water temp gague alrdy wiring in."
"it also has v6 aftermarket electric fans. this car is a great project car and a great deal for 1000 or best offer."

(http://images.craigslist.org/3kd3pb3o85O55T45R4abu94a2b2f1de051cfc.jpg) (http://images.craigslist.org/3pa3o83l65O05T45U4abu50e8b22f1bee1421.jpg)
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c395/fallingxlove/23.jpg) (http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c395/fallingxlove/3-2.jpg)
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: Sirdeuce on December 02, 2010, 03:30:06 PM
Love the FC and the FD! Too many ways to go! First thing that has to be done after you get one Kevin is the suspension bushing replacement. Best for all around is a harder than stock rubber or a mild urethane, no harder than a 75 shore. Hope you get a turbo! Good luck with it! On a side note though, check out Bevin's thread. There are a few things in there about rotory's!
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: kdogae86 on December 02, 2010, 09:30:25 PM
seems like a lot of good deals on the rx7s out there.found a posting earlier today for an rx7 with a vette motor in it...tempting.
oh and please no convertibles.convertibles suck. :driving:
kinda like the 1 in fresno for 1400.or the 1 in stockton,that 1 might be a really good deal as long as tags arent too old.
still trying to get ok from the boss...hasnt really said no but not yes either.
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: BigMike on December 03, 2010, 07:28:57 AM
The one in Fresno says they are looking for a truck. Maybe you can trade your Pathy?
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: Sirdeuce on December 03, 2010, 10:45:30 PM
If'n y'all'r doin' ferin cars, stick with ferin moters. Don' do a V8.

Waiting on the OK from the boss? Heh heh. WHIPPED!!!!! Hahhhahaahahhaahahhaa
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: Sirdeuce on December 04, 2010, 10:03:46 AM
For rotary engines, I dealt with thedse guys a bit. They have a lot of thing to help you do mods on your own.

www.mazdatrix.com (http://www.mazdatrix.com)

Get an air compressor and a decent die grinder and you can do your own portwork. They have all the templates and process description you'll need. I did a turbo conversion on an RX/2. It was INSANE!! Mazdatrix helped immensely!
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: kdogae86 on December 06, 2010, 01:00:07 PM
cool thanx for da help with the info. talked to the boss this weekend and she says we have to pay bills first or
get rid of one of our cars first. anybody wanna buy a 95 pathy with a salvage title? ill take 15k obo.
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: BigMike on December 06, 2010, 01:31:42 PM
Quote from: BigMike on December 03, 2010, 07:28:57 AM
The one in Fresno says they are looking for a truck. Maybe you can trade your Pathy?
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: Sirdeuce on December 06, 2010, 02:21:06 PM
$15,000 for a brand spankin' new Pathy is waaayyy tooo much! Don't think you'll get it for a '95.
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: kdogae86 on December 09, 2010, 05:26:13 PM
cant you read bill? i said obo :hammerhead:
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: Sirdeuce on December 09, 2010, 05:37:43 PM
I'll buy it if you'll take payments. $15.00 over a period of 30 months. It's the best I can do right now. Payments to commence next June.
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: kdogae86 on December 09, 2010, 05:42:39 PM
ill think about it... cause i know how much you love nissan. hey i was thinkin if i could ever get this fc thingy goin i wonder if your mazda speed 3 engine would fit? is it direct inject?
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: Sirdeuce on December 09, 2010, 06:15:17 PM
MZR engine, direct injection, rediculous tuning. Not sure if there is a longitudinal set-up for it.
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: BryanH on December 10, 2010, 08:14:50 PM
I miss my '88 RX-7.  What an awesome car it was.  Soooo comfortable.

The NA isn't fast but it's reliable and entertaining anyway.  The burbles and pops of the 13B with cat delete give it a lot of character. 

Still want to get an FD someday...
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: BigMike on December 11, 2010, 02:11:47 AM
Bryan, can you post some pics of your old RX-7? Why do I not remember you having one? Was it gray or silver? hmmmmmmm
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: BryanH on December 11, 2010, 01:16:22 PM
Arctic Silver. :)

Now it's Arctic Oxidation.  :(  But still going strong last I checked.

I think I brought it by the shop when I got it.  I know Kevin drove it once or twice. 

Anyway here's some pics I have handy: 

(http://www.pbase.com/bryanh/image/27659401/original.jpg)

(http://www.pbase.com/bryanh/image/31461370/original.jpg)

(http://www.pbase.com/bryanh/image/31461372/original.jpg)

(http://www.pbase.com/bryanh/image/27659396/original.jpg)
Can't beat blue shag style carpet!

(http://www.pbase.com/bryanh/image/52915813/original.jpg)

(http://www.pbase.com/bryanh/image/29208058/original.jpg)
Superbly balanced suspension.  Mine had the TurboII suspension/brakes/seats and a clutch-type LSD, and was the lightest NA model you could get (crank windows, no cruise, etc).  It was the best handling FC of them all.  Handling is remarkably similar to the first gen RX-8 actually, which is still the best-handling car I've ever driven (the FC is a close 2nd).

(http://www.pbase.com/bryanh/image/27659399/original.jpg)
Great cruiser!  Tall 5th gear, stunning wind noise control and smoothness on the highway for a 1980s car.  I caught myself doing 90 a couple times on the drive home.  In an AW11 you could tell the difference between 68 and 70 just based on the wind noise.  ;)  In the RX-7, 90 felt just like 60.

Some really amazing things about this car's engineering.  One of the coolest things, to me, was the driving position.  It was perfect.  But not just for me - the current 6'4" owner loves it, and a guy I know back east who is probably 5'4" at best loves it too.   Best seats ever. 

Another cool thing - the headlights.  Even in the down position the lights themselves pointed forward.  You could flash your lights through those clear lenses above the turn signals, without having to raise the light assemblies.  Mazda used a neat pivot system to keep the lights level as the housings went up or down.  Kind of fun to stand in front of the car and watch.

Oh yeah the use of aluminum in the car was pretty trick for the 80s, too.  Some suspension parts were aluminum, I forget what else.  Aluminum hoods were optional - mine was steel though. 

It was actually pretty easy to work on, too.  Much easier than MR2s.  I remember having the intake manifold and fuel rail off to replace a coolant hose (the toughest one to access on the whole car - which is why the previous owner's mechanic overlooked it probably).  But all the nuts and bolts were easy to get to and didn't give me any trouble.  Did some cooling system maintenance on the car (since that's pretty critical on a rotary) and it was so much easier.  Thermostat was right there.  Coolant replacement was cake.   I think that's all I did to it in the year and a half I owned it.

I definitely want another one someday.  It might be tough to find one as nice as mine was, at least in that trim level.  The '88 GTU was unique in a number of ways from other FCs. 
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: kdogae86 on December 13, 2010, 07:26:09 PM
yeah i remember test driving it to buy it but for some reason i didnt and really really really kick my self for not buying it. i know i would still have it and would have saved alot of money cause i eventualy ended up buying a subaru.

well im in talks with a lady in so lake tahoe for an 87.looks like a good deal. i think shes trying to get it outa her garage cause she already talked herself down to 500.
trying to get the vin for a carfox but she doesnt want to give it up for privacy reasons.check it out what do you thing gentlemen
http://reno.craigslist.org/cto/2048059156.html
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: kdogae86 on December 13, 2010, 07:28:28 PM
only down side is doesnt have a cat so one will need to be installed,not a big deal. vehicle is not current on registration and i would like to drive it down. was thinking of getting a temp moving permit to move it down. or would need to trailer it all the way from tahoe.
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: Sirdeuce on December 13, 2010, 07:34:19 PM
Make sure to check the body for cancer! I'm a bit leary about cars in snowy areas. I'd rather buy a car with an engine on it's last legs.
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: kdogae86 on December 13, 2010, 07:38:13 PM
i agree. shes supposed to be taking more pics to show.they say no rust but of course they would to make a sale.they lost all bargaining power by saying they will take it to pik n pull
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: Sirdeuce on December 13, 2010, 08:59:13 PM
If the car has any plastic mouldings, side skirts etc., it's the place to find rust concentration. Other than that, all the typical spots need investigation.
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: BryanH on December 14, 2010, 12:00:32 AM
Those look like the phone dial wheels, which are 4-lug, which means this is a base model car.  I forget what all the differences are.  Smaller wheels (and brakes) for sure.  Probably no LSD.  Umm... oh yeah, base seats which I hated (my friend Matt had an 86 GXL with those seats for a while). 

Looks like quite a project. 

FWIW, my RX-7 had three cats in a row (or maybe it was two, but I know it was more than one) in the pipe that ran from the header to the split at the rear axle.  I don't know if welding in one generic cat is smog legal or if it has to be the OEM cats.  That's why I ran the RB test pipe all the time and just swapped the stock pipe in every 2 years.  Wanted to preserve the cats for as long as possible, just in case.
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: BigMike on December 14, 2010, 12:15:41 AM
Bryan should be banned from this forum for owning really clean cars. That is a beautiful RX-7 :yesnod:


Kevin, we need to check about insurance. You might need to prove to the DMV that the is insured before you drive it with the moving permit. Some insurance companies will have a 1-day insurance option.
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: BigMike on December 14, 2010, 12:23:14 AM
I just checked out the 1987 in Tahoe. It looks awesome man, if you are able to drive it away for $500 then I'd say that is a steal!

This is pretty interesting:
Quotethe glass is good on it, and runs so freaking strong and fast
The glass runs strong and fast. What does he mean by this?


:cheese:


Well it is a 1987 which is the best year for sports cars in the history of mankind. This is not debatable.

Also Kevin, I don't know what your plans are, but starting next Monday I am willing to drive to Tahoe with you together in my MR2 and then caravan back to Fresno. Need to be absolutely certain the car is road worthy. The safest method would be to throw our two-wheel dolly in the bed of our Tundra and caravan with the Tundra. If it breaks down for any reason, we could just pull the trailer out and toe it.

Also, I drive in my Rock Crawler to south lake Tahoe at least twice every year to play on the Rubicon trail. In a car like my MR2, it will only take about 3-1/2 hrs to get there if we don't have traffic on HWY50 after Pollock Pines. Worst case will be 4-1/2 hrs max. Pay no mind to Google Map's 5 hour "Grandma in an automatic Kia Spectra" approximation.

Mike
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: kdogae86 on December 14, 2010, 12:43:12 PM
or is this one a better deal? http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/2072596892.html
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: Sirdeuce on December 14, 2010, 02:07:38 PM
If you have current insurance, you get 30 days to get insurance on a new vehicle. Just be sure to take proof of insurance with you when you go to pick up your new toy. You won't need a one day pass unless the vehicle is out of registration. Be sure the day you go to pick it up won't be necessary to have chains, unless you are prepared to purchase chains. Maybe the car will have a set?
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: kdogae86 on December 15, 2010, 10:27:54 PM
well just bummed myself out looking at rebuild kits for the 13b. man that craps expensive. seems like more expensive than dealing with a piston engine which are more fun anyway. not sure what ta do now
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: kdogae86 on December 15, 2010, 10:34:39 PM
well i guess it would still be cheaper than making payments on a newer car with interest for the next 6yrs. felt better after seeing how expensive wrxs still are.
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: BryanH on December 15, 2010, 11:37:03 PM
I thought 13B rebuild kits weren't that expensive... I mean there aren't that many parts to a rotary engine.  Does it include new rotors and housings or something?
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: Sirdeuce on December 15, 2010, 11:39:15 PM
The rotary is a lot of fun! Don't run scared from your project due to cost! Nothing is cheap. Doing a piston engine is cheaper if you use sub-standard parts, but to do a proper build would cost more than a rotary. Take for instance my 4AGE. Head gasket, 140  bucks. Pistons, 600 bucks. Connecting rods, 700 bucks. parts and labor for the cylinder head @1800 bucks. Machine work and balancing another 450 bucks. other bits and pieces run another $1,000 or so. Just to build an engine that puts out about 150-160 hp, $4,000-$5,000??? Go ahead, put that into your rotary! Maybe a turbo?  You can do some great things with that RX7!! And if you want to have a stand alone EFI but can't afford one, Greddy e-manage is not too far off. The e-manage can be bypassed, or set to a defaul setting to get by smog. Naw, don't shy away from the rotary!!  Hell, if you want to talk expensive! look at the Scoot 4 rotor engine! I think you could have one for like $20,000! Output is somewhere in the 600-700 hp range! As for the smogging of the thing, it has twice the rotors, have them smog it twice!
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: STUPID FAST on December 17, 2010, 12:55:23 PM
ive driven a fd and it was pretty darn fun.  i love the looks of the fb though gsl-se model and turbo it
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: BigMike on December 17, 2010, 01:44:42 PM
You mean FC?
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: STUPID FAST on December 17, 2010, 03:09:24 PM
no i meant FB 1st gen rx7
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: BigMike on December 17, 2010, 03:22:16 PM
I used to own a FA and now I drive my FE :gap:
Title: Re: Big-K's RX-7 Aspiration
Post by: BigMike on February 25, 2011, 07:10:57 PM
What's up, any progress with this Kevin? It looks like Chee (stupidfast) is gonna be getting a FC soon!